The Bandag Bullet speeds down the runway in Bundaberg to break the World record.

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Article Summary

The truck billed as the world’s fastest, meanest, toughest tyre-torturing machine is now officially the world’s fastest truck thanks to a record breaking exhibition run at the Queensland International Air Show held at Bundaberg Airport on July 16 -17, 2005. The Bandag Bullet smashed the world record for a one kilometre run and potentially set eight world records on the way. The eight tonne Kenworth T400-based Bandag Bullet ran a standing start kilometre in 18.6 seconds with a terminal speed of over 300km/h. How can such a massive truck go so fast? Because it has two twin-turbo , nitrous oxide injected V8 diesel engines with a total capacity of 24 litres (1500 cubic inches), which produce 1100bhp and 5600 ft/lb of torque EACH. When the nitrous is pumping the motors put out 1400 bhp each for a total 2800hp at 3000rpm with power transmitted by an Allison CR 6000 transmission and standard Bandag retread truck tyres – the Bandag sponsorship of the truck is now in its 23rd year – 18 years ago the Bullet broke the world truck standing quarter mile with a 14.0 second pass - also on standard retreads, an indication the tyres are as strong as the relationship between the companies!